A voice from Alabama’ s 67 counties
Josh Harvill, CEA
Chambers County Engineer President, Association of County
Engineers of Alabama( ACEA)
Q
How has the conversation about infrastructure investment in Alabama changed over the last few years?
A
In my county engineering career, there has always been a need for additional funding for county infrastructure. The ACCA has helped county commissioners and county engineers deliver that message over the last few years better than any other time since I’ ve been in county government. Whether it is communicated through community meetings, commission meetings, local media or social media – our message is as clear as it has ever been.
The question today is not whether we need additional funding; I think most believe that we do. From my
perspective, the conversation has moved to“ Are we, as taxpayers, willing to pay for it through an increase in taxes?” and“ Would we, as taxpayers, want our legislators to develop a temporary or a long-term solution?”
Q
ACEA has taken a leadership role in the push for increased road and bridge funding in our state. What are members focusing on this summer?
A
County engineers are always planning. We will continue to keep our plans updated and be in position to deliver projects quickly if additional funds are appropriated, but education will be our primary focus. We are educating our citizens and legislators on the role county highway departments play in our state’ s transportation system and“ telling our story.” At the same time, we are also explaining the impacts we face if we continue to deny our communities the funding needed for local infrastructure.
Q
County commission seats are on many ballots this year. What can a county engineer do to build a good working relationship with a newly-elected commissioner?
A
Communicate effectively and invest time with the commissioner. I’ ve learned so much about county engineering from those who have preceded me. One tool I have taken from other counties and implemented in Chambers County is a“ Highway Department Introduction.” Some counties accomplish this through a manual, but we utilize a PowerPoint presentation that introduces commissioners to laws that govern the expenditure of gasoline tax dollars, our chain of command, transportation plan, work-order system, interdepartmental rules and policies, etc. Most importantly, I encourage county engineers to spend as much time as possible with the commissioners. Give them as many opportunities to communicate their concerns to you while getting to know you and vice versa.
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